This post is about my personal experience with microneedling. I am not a medical professional. Your experience and results may differ from mine. Please consult with your dermatologist or a licensed aesthetician regarding the best regimen for your skin care concerns.
WHY I DID IT
I’m turning 30 in 2019 *gasp* One of my resolutions last year was to invest in my skin care routine instead of buying whatever was on sale at Target. I nailed down a consistent skin care routine (including some drugstore products) and started getting regular facials and dermaplanning (highly recommend), but this year I wanted to take it a step farther. After researching several facial treatments and consulting with a medical professional, I decided to give microneedling a try. Here is my day by day recovery documentation. #no filter (I didn’t take a before picture because I had no intention of sharing my micorneeding experience on my blog, but I got so many questions that I decided to write a complete post.)
DAY 1
Immediately post mircroneedling (Ryman photobombing and judging me – LOL!)
DAY 1
One hour post microneedling
DAY 2
24 hours post microneedling
Don’t be alarmed. It doesn’t hurt, but I did stay inside all day.
DAY 3
I put on makeup on Day 3 (foundation and concealer) and ran errands. I experienced a little dryness.
DAY 4
I went back to work on Day 4, Monday. Makeup easily covered up all remaining redness, but my skin was dry.
DAY 5
Almost all redness gone. I experienced a little dryness but slathered my skin with this.
DAY 6
By Day 6, my skin was back to “normal.”
DAY 14
I started to see the changes in my skin between Day 10-14. My skin is brighter and tighter. Although not completely gone, the acne scarring on my checks has decreased, and I have a more even skin tone and texture.
FAQ
Besides my question of which Real Housewives franchise is the best, I got more Instagram DMs when I posted my microneedling progress photos than ever before. The many questions started flowing in: why, how, what, where? I received many of the same questions so I decided to write a full post detailing my microneedling experience.
What are the benefits?
The benefits of microneedling include reducing fine lines and wrinkles, repairing scars, reducing hyper pigmentation, boosting collagen, repairing sun damage, and shrinking pores. Personally, I experienced the reduction in fine lines and wrinkles and reduced hyper pigmentation on my cheeks. I have some acne scarring/pitting, and microneedling made a significant difference in the texture of my cheeks.
Did it hurt?
Absolutely not. My face was completely numb during the procedure and for a short time post procedure. If you’ve never had your face numbed, it is a weird feeling. After a couple of hours, the numbness subsided, and it felt like a severe sunburn which was uncomfortable but not painful. I experienced redness for 3 days and dryness around day 3-4.
How long does the procedure last?
My procedure lasted less than one hour. After the initial introduction and explanation, I spent thirty minutes relaxing in the procedure room waiting for the numbing medication to kick in. Once numb, the actual procedure lasted around 10-20 minutes.
Where did I go?
I had the procedure done at my dermatologist’s office, Nashville Skin (formerly Nashville Skin and Cancer).
Can you wear makeup after?
I did not put on anything on my face following the procedure except the topical treatments provided to me. Though I was instructed I could wear makeup on the next day, I waited three days post microneedling to wear makeup. I scheduled my procedure for 1:00 on a Friday afternoon before a weekend with no commitments so I had a couple of days to hibernate and recover.
How much does it cost?
It depends. Based on my pricing research, a single procedure can range from $100-$500. In Nashville, I found most prices to be in the $300-$350 range. I purchased a series of three as part of a promotion, and Nashville Skin is currently running a promotion fo 20% off a series of three microneedling treatments.
Was it worth it?
Absolutely, yes. I can tell a significant difference in the texture of my skin, especially on my cheeks. I also have a natural glow that I’ve never had before. I am doing a series of three microneedling sessions six weeks apart. My next appointment is June 1st. Make sure you’re following me on Instagram to follow all of my face updates!
Please note that your experience and recovery time may be completely different from what I experienced. Everyone’s skin is unique. Have you done microneedling? What did you think? Leave me a comment below.
I didn’t even know this was a thing until I saw your Pin! I am adding it to my list of beauty stuff I should probably look into but am too chicken to try right now… Lol
Author
Don’t be scared! I promise it’s not that bad!!
I have always taken great care of my skin but have never had a facial or anything. I decided that my skin was looking drab so I started checking into what procedures would be the most beneficial for me. I did microneedling a week ago and can already tell a huge difference already. I can hardly wait to do it again! No problems, pain or real down time!!!
Author
That’s great! I’m so glad that you enjoyed it! I need to go in for another treatment soon!
Your skin looks so much clearer! Fantastic results!
I just did my first micro needling yesterday afternoon. I’m super red and swollen and have a little bruising under both eyes. Your day 3 is my day 1 on redness . It looks like it gets worse. Evoke better😂. TJs ks for sharing you experience. I’m due for two more as well, but need to see how I heal first 🙏🏻
Author
Hi Stephanie,
Don’t get too worried! The results are worth the scariness right now! Each session will get better! Thank you for reading!
-Betsy
❤️ just saw all my typos! 😂. Thanks for the confidence builder. Less swelling today ☺️
I’m 57 and bought the micro needling pen and numbing cream. I talked to a professional and I’m going to try in on myself. If I like the results I won’t be getting facelift surgery.
Well first off, you are gorgeous! So happy I found this because I want to get microneedling but am a bit nervous. Thank you for sharing!
What was the depth of the needle used? Thanks
I had my first session a week ago. She used numbing pain but it was still uncomfortable. Those who say it didn’t hurt are lucky unless my girl went deeper. Didn’t leave the house for 3 days due to extreme redness. After a week I’m very happy with the results. My next session is in a month.
Just had my first session yesterday. Very little discomfort. I’m turning 70 on New Years Eve. Just looked in the mirror, I’m a little swollen but not red at all. I’m going back in six weeks for session two. I was told next session the
Needles will be going a little deeper.
Author
Happy early Birthday! I hope you love the results! I saw the best results from doing a series of three.
Hi
Can I ask how deep did you work?
I do .5mm forehead and nose
.25 eyes
.75 rest of face… I only look sunburned afterwards and the following day the red is gone only feels tight!
Thanks
Lizelle 🙂
Im excited about my microneedling in a couple weeks. However, your blog was semi helpful, due to the lack of before pictures.
Hi thanks for this post first of all… I have a really quick question, I noticed there were some bruises on you nose and under your eye… how long did it take for those to go away? I just did my 1st microneedling session by dermapen and I also got a bruise like that under my eye. Looks like I got punched by someone lol. I’m afraid the procedure caused permanent scarring but I’m actually not sure and still hope it heals. I need some courage I guess. Thanks 🙂
Author
Hi! Thank you for reading my post. I had minor bruising but no permanent or lingering scarring! As you can see, I have very sensitive skin and have had this treatment multiple times with no issues.
Thanks 😊 btw when I saw your pictures I thought you look like someone that I know… now I remember, you just look like the beautiful (and my favorite actress) Marion Cotillard 🥰
Author
That’s so kind! Thank you! I’ve received that flattering comparison a couple of times! She is gorgeous!
Hi, I had this procedure done yesterday and my face is super red and bruised all over. Your pictures are the only ones I can find online that look similar to what I’m experiencing. I’m freaking out, although I found some comfort in reading your post and seeing your pictures, so thank you. I just wish there were more pictures out there about this topic.
I just got it done today and already show significant bruising. How long did yours last? Was it worth it?
I know your comment is a couple of months old Krista, but I’m in the same boat right now. Mine was 2 days ago (1st time getting it done) because I have melasma. It’s a bit better but whole face is super red and bruises under eyes. My melasma didn’t look this bad. I’m so happy to have found this post to see it can get better. I hope mine does and hopefully I’ll stop crying soon…slightly joking 🙂
Girl me too!!! I am on day 2 and have bruising and red/purple marks and everywhere else mentions like a “slight pinkness to the skin.” I look horrible and I’m so worried it’ll cause permanent damage or they went too deep. Did yours heal???
Oh my gosh! This makes me feel SO much better! I got it done 3 days ago and am insanely red/blotchy with bruising and swelling under both eyes. I was do scared this would cause permanent damage as there really aren’t any other photos like yours. Thank you for posting, it helps to know I’m not the only one and that this will (hopefully) go away very soon!
xx
Author
Trust the process!!! Everything will
turn out great!
Hi! Can you please tell me what necklace that is, with the interlocking circles? Love it! Also, you are gorgeous!
Thanks!
Author
Hi Becky! It’s from Tiffany! Thank you for the kind words!
Than you for sharing your results. Can you please share your before picture and then your pictures after your second and third procedures? Thank you in advance
I am 51 and have lots of sun damage and wrinkles on my forehead and upper lip that I want to go away. I got microneedling two weeks ago on a Friday afternoon. My face was very red after the procedure and the next morning I looked like I had been beat up. I was so scared! I didn’t want to go out in public or even leave the house. I ended up going to work the following Monday, but covered my face in concealer and foundation because I was trying to hide the red spots and irritation that was still there. It has now been two weeks and I still have a red spot between my eyebrows where she was pretty agressive with the pen. I am wondering if the red spot will eventually disappear? My skin did flake off after a week. I did start to notice yesterday that my face looked a little brighter. I have another appointment scheduled after Thanksgiving. I’m nervous about doing it again, because the recovery was worse than I expected. An aesthetician who I’ve gotten facials from did mine and I am wondering would it be better to get it done at a medical spa? I’m hoping for some great results!